Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 144: Comatose, a pokémon fanfic

Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 144: Comatose

His name is Seth…Or is he Fear now?

Location: Utopia

It's been a long time since Seth last came here through his conscious. This…Utopia of heavenly skies with giant otherworldly planets, white beaches, pink horizons, and deep purple ocean…it is the meeting ground of those who have been infected with the light of Missingno's virus. Seth once stood with those who fought using the light, but now, he stands on the edge of Utopia. He was in his Darkness Grade 2 form. Black coated cape, skeleton mask, evil purple eye, skeletal arm and ribs, and an abundance of darkness. His back was turned against Utopia, facing the boundless darkness which stood on the other side.

"…"

He is about to step over to the dark side.

"Seth." Before his name was called.

Seth faced the world of Utopia and found a lone girl sitting at the foot of a tree.

Orange hair. Blue eyes.

"I've seen you here before." Seth remarked. "You're Rui."

"You are correct." Another figure emerged from behind the tree. Seth has also seen him before.

"Wes." Seth had only seen him once, for a split second.

Wes – the tritagonist of this story. He conspired with Atticus to form Team Neo Snagem, hoping to find a way to bring Rui back to life. In the five years since Neo Snagem's founding, Wes began to realize the error in his ways. In his eagerness to bring back his dear friend, he hastily turned to the darkness. It was a move he regrets to this day. But even with his change of heart, he continues to serve the organization. As Neo Snagem's Commander 02, Wes has both physical and political power. He uses this power to find Rui, with the organization's Leader having no clue…

"Should you choose the path of darkness, it'll be a long and difficult road back here if you change you mind later." Wes explained.

"I have nothing to say to you two. This is the path I've chosen." Seth had no idea Wes was a Commander. "Despite my words, I hope to meet you some day. We can destroy the organization together."

"…" Wes and Rui said nothing, leaving Seth to return on his way to the boundless darkness.

"Stay here."

But Seth was once again addressed. This time, it was a much more familiar voice.

It was Chapel. "You can't be serious. You would turn your back on us in the name of revenge?"

"We have the same goal." Seth had no expression on his face.

"No, we don't!" Chapel's voice began to raise. "We should be protecting the world and its people! That is why we fight Neo Snagem."

"She's right, Seth." Rui added.

"It doesn't matter to me what becomes of the world." Seth looked to the sky, "Once Neo Snagem is destroyed, the world will be saved anyway."

"But if you kill everyone in trying to defeat Neo Snagem, that eliminates the purpose!" So, sue Chapel for not seeing things Seth's way.

Seth didn't take his eyes off the sky.

"Then what about her?" Chapel asked.

Seth looked away from the sky. The expression in his eyes grew slightly soft when he looked at 'her'.

It was Rose, and she stood right in front of Seth.

"…"

So, this was it…her Brother was headed toward the dark side. Rose always feared Seth's darkness. But to go down this sort of path…Rose couldn't say a word, until…

"Will things never be the same between us?" Rose didn't look to her Brother.

Seth and Rose…from here on out, they will be separated by Utopia and the boundless darkness…as Seth walks the path of revenge…

Location: Desolate Plateau

Chapel, Yumi, Banette, and Rose stood on one sideline. Volbeat, Illumise, and Commander 15 Bastion stood on the other.

Both sides were waiting to see who emerged victorious in the realm which lied between Hell and the world of the living.

The air was silent, tension in abundance. Yumi was anxious to see if she would ever see Seth again. Chapel wanted to prove Seth wrong in his short-sighted ideals when it came to defeating Neo Snagem…but she never wanted for death to be how Seth would see the light. Banette was not concerned. The evil ghost has always despised Seth from afar, yet close at the same time. Banette has seen the cold attitude Seth always seemed to show his sister.

Rose… "…" She just wanted a result to be reached. Rose was always one to hold her dearly beloveds in high regard. Every dearly beloved meant the world to her. She would savor every second with them and not tire of their company. And if they went away, Rose would become saddened. But this time, "…" She showed no emotion when it was revealed that her Brother may never come back alive. She did not cry, nor did she mourn. Their relationship was that severed.

"The Portal of Death still hasn't reappeared," Bastion said.

"Do you think he's dead?" Illumise asked Volbeat.

Volbeat smiled, "I can't help being biased in assuming he's dead."

"…"

Both fireflies burst into hysteric laughter.

"Hahahahaha!"

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

"Bias? What are you talking about?!" If Illumise wasn't wearing her Innamorati mask, tears of laughter would be streaming down her face right now.

"I know, right?" Volbeat snorted, "I don't need bias to know he has no chance at winning!"

"Nobody can kill The Reaper." Illumise calmed down, "Especially not while they're in the Realm Between.

"Look!" Interrupting the fireflies' hysteria was Chapel. The Pokemon Ranger was pointing at the center of the battlefield which separated the two sides.

"Is that the Portal of Death?" Yumi asked.

Rose wordlessly looked at the portal.

"I'm sure of it." Chapel answered.

Emerging from the portal was huge concentrations of darkness. The streams of darkness were blown by winds blustery enough for the girls to cover their eyes.

Within the darkness, appeared a figure. Turned away from the girls, he faced Lord Bastion.

Commander 15 froze.

Volbeat and Illumise's laughter immediately seized. What the fireflies saw made them tremble.

As the dark winds calmed down, the girls got a look at the figure from behind.

The black coat he wore as a cape still breezed slightly. They could see ghastly skeletal ribs, as well as a skeletal arm.

"Is that…?"

Rose, Chapel, and Yumi…they were all disturbed.

"It can't be…"

They didn't want to believe that was who they thought he was. They wanted nothing more for this vision to be their mind simply playing a trick on them, or for this who ordeal to have just been a terrible dream. But it wasn't.

Standing before Yumi, Chapel, and Rose, was the man brandishing the Reaper's Scythe. The embodiment of pure evil itself: Rose's Brother.

Seth wanted nothing more than to use Darkness Grade 2 to eliminate Commander 15 right here. In addition to getting closer to his ultimate goal of destroying the entire organization, Commander 15 would become, to date, the highest ranking Neo Snagem Commander to be eliminated.

As Seth moved the Reaper's Scythe forward, Yumi, Rose, and Chapel became conflicted about this fight's inevitable outcome. Both Yumi and Chapel didn't want Seth relying on his dark power, and they definitely didn't want him passing judgement to another human being. But…they had no right to complain. Commander 15 was the first to step outside the parameters of the agreed Normal Battle. With Dusknoir attempting to send Seth to Hell, he accepted the risk of Seth attempting to do the same to him and Bastion. A life for a life.

Rose didn't care for the logic behind her Brother's actions however. As soon as he lifted the Reaper's Scythe, Rose started using her virus power to levitate. She was about to charge in Seth's direction, to stop him from attempting to kill Uncle Bastion.

However…

"Ngh…" Seth suddenly froze.

In turn, Rose slowed her pace.

Seth's eyes grew wide, and he didn't follow through on his attack.

Bastion was cloaked in dark aura, ready to reveal his Shadow powers in self-defense. But he was bewildered.

The Reaper's Scythe fell from Seth's grip and onto the plateau ground. Seth was promptly surrounded by purple flames. "What's…happening?" The purple flame began dissipating the darkness completely. Once the darkness was gone, the flames faded. Seth's skin and internal organs began resurfacing, until his skeletal arm and ribs were back to normal. His ripped clothes were returned to normal as well, as the skeletal mask he wore disintegrated to dust.

"He's reverting back to normal…" Banette said.

Seth collapsed to the ground, where he didn't move.

Rose and Bastion stood down.

All traces of Darkness Grade 2 were gone, the Portal of Darkness disappeared.

"Chi…"

"Lass…"

Chikorita and Froslass were also on the ground, but they quickly got up.

Yumi approached Seth and put a hand on his arm. "He's unconscious…"

"Whatever that form was, Seth must've overexerted himself in using it." Chapel's guess was right on the money.

Great power does not come without great drawback. Whether Seth or Fear took charge of Darkness Grade 2 didn't matter. In conquering Death and his entire army, Seth had overexerted his body, as it wasn't used to moving in such a way. The end result was this:

Seth was now in a deep state of unconsciousness – Comatose

"Its seems he doesn't know his own limits." Bastion remarked. With Seth unconscious, he stood down his dark power. "Nevertheless, it appears he's won our battle."

"Huh?" Volbeat and Illumise were surprised. How? How did the boy win?

"Dusknoir hasn't returned to the field of play, meaning he was defeated in the Realm Between." Bastion explained.

"Chi." Chikorita approached her trainer.

"Chikorita." Her name was called by Bastion.

"Chi?" Chikorita questioned.

"Don't let that dark power of his change your relationship with him. He cares deeply for you," Bastion started, "He risked getting sent to Hell and being erased from existence just to save your life."

Chikorita's eyes lit up. That's right. She'd lost her life at the hands of the Reaper. Seth did all that just for her…Chikorita smiled.

Looking at Chikorita and Seth, Rose remained indifferent on the surface. However, realizing that her Brother did all of that for Chikorita caused for a hint of bitterness to be born, albeit Rose concealed it very well.

"Well, I guess I'll be on my way." Commander 15 Bastion turned and started walking the other way.

"Wait!" Rose called out to him.

Bastion looked to Rose in the corner of his eye, "I'm a man of my word. Your Brother emerged from this battle victorious, despite the stakes being raised midway through. I will stand down, for now…However…" Bastion now faced Rose completely, "This will not be the final time we cross paths. I will keep coming, until you are delivered home, Rose. Until that day comes, farewell."

"BYE ROSE!"

Both Volbeat and Illumise teased Rose as they and Bastion started retreating.

"Bye Volbeat! Bye Illumise!" Yumi waved goodbye to the fireflies as well. Volbeat and Illumise immediately stopped clapping. They silently flew away without acknowledging the overly affectionate Yumi.

This left Rose, who fell to her knees while still holding her Egg. She watched as 15, Vobeat, and Illumise disappeared into the distance.

"Are you okay?" Banette asked as she approached Rose.

"The fact that Volbeat and Illumise were with Uncle Bastion all but confirms that Lady Beatrice is not too far away," Rose said.

"Lady Beatrice is that Commander 06 woman we fought, right?" Banette asked.

Rose nodded. "Commanders 06 and 15 are working together."

Meanwhile, Yumi, Chikorita, and Froslass were checking up on Seth.

"I can't believe he accepted the darkness…" Chapel grumbled as she approached his body.

"You heard 15. Seth did this to save Chikorita." Yumi remarked.

"Even if that's the case, he accepted the darkness with his own ulterior motive in mind." Chapel wanted to be angry with Seth, but the fact that Chikorita was here after nearly getting sent to Hell was a testament of how much Seth cared for his pokemon, no matter how indifferent he seemed.

"Don't worry, Chapel," Yumi smiled, "Seth won't be able to denounce his humanity even if he wants to." She affectionately pinched his cheek, "We'll be here to keep him in check!"

Chapel couldn't help but smile. If there was anyone who could keep him in check, it was Yumi. "Well, no use sitting here until he wakes up." Chapel got out a Pokeball, throwing it into the air.

"Raaawwwrr!" Out of the pokemon emerged Ursaring.

"Hey Ursaring." Chapel greeted, "Seth here is in a coma, and we're gonna need some muscle to carry him around!" Chapel tried motioning for Ursaring to flex his muscles. No use. Tough crowd!

"Rrr." Well, to Ursaring, this was an opportunity to get some fresh air. Having not been to a town or city in a while, the Pokeball was starting to feel a little stuffy inside. "Rrr." Ursaring approached Seth and lifted him up. Ursaring was now carrying Seth on his shoulders.

Chapel took out another Pokeball, throwing it into the air.

"Skar!" Skarmory was called upon.

Chapel took a good look at the broken bridge that was above them. "We had a slight detour when crossing that bridge. Would it be possible to fly us back to the top?"

Skarmory nodded.

Skarmory promptly carried Chapel back to the peak of the plateau, on the other side of the bridge.

"Rrr." Next up was Ursaring and Seth, whom Skarmory was suggested to transport when he was still fresh.

"Chico." Then it was Chikorita's turn.

"Lass." Froslass, of course, was able to use her own flight to get to the top.

Yumi was going to be flown up next, but before Skarmory could retrieve her, she turned to Rose and Banette. "Hey Rose! Aren't you coming?"

Rose nodded before turning to Yumi.

Yumi then spoke softly, with a warm smile, "Thank you…for saving my life. I never would've survived falling off the bridge if not for you."

Of course, it was technically Volbeat and Illumise who made the interception. But seeing Yumi's warmth put a smile on Rose's face. 'I remember now. Even if Brother is indifferent. There are other people and pokemon on this journey who love me…'

And so, with Seth in a comatose and being carried by Ursaring, the girls took two days making their way out of the plateau.

They took an entire day to rest in a field of grass.

"…" But Seth didn't awaken.

Their journey to Troia continued, as they went from flat fields to grassy hills in two more days.

Yumi was no longer getting a signal from her Pokegear, so Chapel took out a paper map. "Hmm." Chapel was confident in her ability to lead the group as a Pokemon Ranger. She looked intently at the map as Yumi and Ursaring rested on the hill.

Might the group be starting to regret traversing this part of the region? Well, they had no choice. With everything that happened in Ecruteak City and Mahogany Town, this was the only path laid out to them going forward. They had to see it through to the end.

Meals that were once lively were now filled with silence. This had become the girls' routine. They weren't tired of one another, and they would start the occasional small talk. The problem was that this seemingly endless journey to the next town was becoming monotonous.

Ursaring would retreat to his corner, with his head down. "…"

"Lup? Piplup." Chapel's pokemon would check on Ursaring to see how he was doing. Like Piplup, for instance.

"…" Ursaring usually would keep to himself, resting while he could.

The girls journeyed land, until there was no land left to journey.

"Hm?" Chapel was surprised.

It was a beach.

"Gull. Wingull." Wingull were aplenty.

"Na naaa." As well Swanna who waddled through the water.

"Where are we?" Rose asked.

Chapel looked at her map, "The edge of the land."

"What?" Yumi was confused.

Chapel staring longingly into the water as she explained, "This is the northern most point in all of Johto. Beyond these shores is the endless expanse of ocean. Who knows how far away the next land is?"

Rose smiled, "It is pretty."

"I'm surprised there's no people here." Yumi came from the oceanside city of Olivine. She expected there to be at least some people at this beach, even if this part of the region was untraversed.

"I've traveled all over the land. Never has anyone talked about the North Shore." Chapel remarked, "I didn't even know a place like this existed."

"Let's go play!" Yumi was eager to break the monotony and enjoy herself. She grabbed Rose by the hand and dragged her onto the sand.

"Wait, Yumi!" Rose tried to protest, "Sand is getting on my dress!"

"Aw, stop being so stuffy!" Yumi cheered, "It wouldn't surprise me if this was your first time at a beach. You're gonna enjoy yourself whether you want to or not!"

Holding the Pokemon Egg, Banette let out a small chuckle. "Hehe, kids."

"Rrr." Ursaring gently put Seth down and approached Chapel.

Chapel stroked Ursaring's fur, "You've done a great job, Ursaring. How about you chill out on the beach?"

Ursaring kept his stoic expression as he made his way to the sand. He sat down, staring at the ocean.

"I wonder if the ocean has any pokemon I can catch?" Chapel took out a Pokeball and threw it into the air.

"Piplup." Piplup appeared in the air, landing on Ursaring's head! "Pip piplup!" Piplup gave Ursaring friendly pats on the head.

"Hmph." Ursaring was not amused.

"Lup." As Piplup jumped onto the sand, Chapel called to her.

"I wanna see if there's any Pokemon underwater," Chapel said, "Are you up for a swim?"

Piplup nodded.

"Wow!" Before Chapel could change into her bathing suit, Yumi pointed in the distance.

"What are those?" Rose asked. "They look like more Wingull."

There looked to be an entire colony of tiny flying creatures from beyond the horizon, making their way in the girls' direction.

Chapel got a closer look at the Pokemon. "Wait…those aren't Wingull." As the pokemon got closer, Chapel could make out their appearance better.

These pokemon had red eyes and white wings. There bodies were blue, while their feet were a lighter shade of blue.

Chapel has seen these pokemon before. "Butterfree!"

What lied inland of this beach was a forest of trees. These Butterfree flew past Chapel and started settling in on these trees.

Chapel was in awe at all the Butterfree, but there was one that especially caught her attention. "Hm?" She approached this particular Butterfree.

"Piplup." Piplup had completely forgotten about going for a swim with Chapel as she followed her trainer.

"Free." This Butterfree wore a scarf.

"What is this scarf for?" Chapel asked.

Butterfree turned around and greeted Chapel.

"Free."

"Hello."

This scarf looked to have been worn for some time. This Butterfree must've come from somewhere far away. Perhaps it was given to Butterfree by a human, or trainer. It didn't seem at all apprehensive about Chapel approaching.

Chapel began to pet the Butterfree. "If you did have a trainer, they did a good job raising you, if you're not scared of humans."

Chapel continued to pet the scarfed Butterfree until another Butterfree flew by.

"Huh?"

This Butterfree was even more distinguished than the scarfed one, as it was a different color.

"A pink Butterfree?" Hearts comedically popped out of Chapel's eyes, "It's so cute! I just have to capture you!"

"Lup! Piplup!" Piplup grew just as excited.

"Go Pokeball-ack?!" Just as Chapel was about to throw her Pokeball, she was tackled to the ground by the scarf-wearing Butterfree.

"Lup?" Piplup was attempting to comfort the downed Chapel.

"Ow…" Chapel rubbed her backside before glaring darts at both Butterfree. "So that's how it's gonna be." She did a kip up back to her feet. "So sue me for wanting a new pokemon. But if you want to play hard to get…"

"Free?" The pink Butterfree tilted her head.

"Free!" The scarfed Butterfree stepped up, in the pink Butterfree's defense.

"Piplup! It's time for a battle!" Chapel called.

"Lup!" Piplup stood in front of Chapel and got into a battle stance.

"Use Ice Beam!"

Piplup launched a beam of ice energy. Piplup's Ice Beam in particular had an abnormally high chance of freezing an opponent solid.

"Butter…free!" The scarfed Butterfree flapped its wings at rapid pace. This, in turn, created a Gust that ultimately derailed Ice Beam's path. Ice Beam was redirected to…

"Rrr?!" Ursaring, who was resting peacefully on the beach. Ice Beam fully encased the bear in ice.

"Ursaring's frozen solid…" Chapel glared at the Butterfree once more, "Ursaring's sacrifice won't be in vain. Piplup, use Drill Peck!"

Piplup began spinning in a circular motion as its beak stored massive energy.

"Free!" In response, Butterfree started flapping its wings again. This time, a powdery light blue substance was being emitted.

"Lup? Lup…pip…" Once this substance landed on Piplup, the Water type promptly fell asleep.

"That was Sleep Powder." Chapel, of course, realized that Piplup was technically unable to battle.

"Free!" The scarfed Butterfree assured the pink Butterfree that everything would be okay.

"Free." With Piplup defeated, the pink Butterfree took off, going on about her day.

"Hey! Wait up!" But Chapel wasn't about to let the pink Butterfree get away.

"Free!" The scarfed Butterfree smirked, as it once again let out its Sleep Powder.

"Not this time!" Chapel readied another Pokeball, "Let's go, Skarmory!"

Skarmory appeared. Without needing order from Chapel, Skarmory let out a devastating Whirlwind which dissipated the Sleep Powder and sent the scarfed Butterfree flying into a tree.

Chapel then proceeded to give chase to the pink Butterfree, "Wait up!"

With Chapel chasing Butterfree into the forest, who did that leave on the beach?

"…" First of all, Ursaring was still frozen. The hopeless bear was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. What if a Palossand comes in and drains his soul? Horrible!

"Zzz…zzz…" Piplup was left sleeping at the foot of the forest as well.

"What do you mean you didn't bring a swimsuit?!" Yumi still had Rose by the hand.

Rose turned away, her chin raised. "Did you honestly expect me to carry such a thing? The fact that you would have a swimsuit on hand is absurd."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Yumi questioned whether Rose was intending to insult her.

"I should not be surprised." Rose gave a slight smile, "You come off as very ditzy, Yumi."

"Are you calling me dumb?!"

"The word 'dumb' never escaped my mouth." Rose was just teasing Yumi at this point.

Yumi and Rose have always had a sort of sisterly bond. Rose was always quick to point out flaws in Yumi's logic, and Yumi would vehemently deny those flaws. These interactions would always devolve into outright arguments. Sometimes, Rose would cross the line and Yumi would hold a grudge for a few minutes. But at the end of the day, they were still very close friends.

"Well maybe I can act dumb enough not to take 'no' for an answer." Yumi winked as she started dragging Rose toward the water again.

Rose's eyes grew wide, "No, wait! You misinterpret my intentions!" She was desperate not to soak her dress, which was already attracting sand. She tried pulling away, but Yumi had an iron grip. So, she brought up the all too obvious excuse she'd saved until now, "Wait! My Egg! I have to take care of my child!"

"Banette is watching the Egg." Yumi replied.

Banette, who sat on the sat tending to the Egg, looked up to Rose and gave a friendly wave.

In pursuit of the pink Butterfree, Chapel proceeded deeper inland, into the forest. After a few minutes, she'd lost sight of the Bug type.

"It's eerily quiet in this forest…" Chapel's high paced run had dissolved into moderate-paced walking. Losing sight of Butterfree, Chapel had to be methodical in her search. The pink Butterfree could be hiding anywhere in Johto's northern edge.

"Free."

"Butterfree?" Chapel heard the cry of a Butterfree, and looked in the direction where it came from: Up a tree.

"Free." It was a Butterfree, but not the pink one Chapel was looking for. "Free." This Butterfree leapt from the tree and started flying.

"Maybe this Butterfree will lead me to the pink one." Chapel knew that no Butterfree would wander too far from its colony. Having seen this particular colony of Butterfree make it to the coast moments ago, Chapel knew that the pink Butterfree was likely close by.

"Free."

And so, Chapel followed the blue Butterfree. This led her chase past a ravine which she and the girls had past on their way to the beach. A few trees and bushes later, Chapel was led into a particular alignment of bushes.

"Free…" The blue Butterfree went on its merry way.

"Butterfree…" Chapel found the pink Butterfree, as well as the scarfed Butterfree.

"Free." The pink Butterfree had a smile on her face.

"Ree." While the scarfed Butterfree picked up a new, smaller Pokemon.

"Rie!"

"Pod."

"Meta."

"Caterpie and Metapod…" It was as if a lightbulb went off in Chapel's head as she realized, "These Butterfree are parents. And these Caterpie and Metapod are their babies.

It was here that Chapel was beginning to have second thoughts about catching the pink Butterfree. She was these Caterpie and Metapod's mother. Chapel knew what it was like to have her mother taken away from her. She didn't want to put these Caterpie through what she experienced. And so, she put away her Pokeball and calmly approached the family.

"Free?" The pink Butterfree took a slight step back, while the scarfed Butterfree was on edge.

"Don't worry. I'm not here to fight." Chapel smiled warmly as she kneeled down to the Butterfree's level, "You have a lovely family."

This, in turn, caused the Butterfree to give smiles of their own.

"Please forgive me for trying to capture you. Had I known I'd be separating you from your family, I never would've taken out my Pokeball."

It was here that Chapel realized something.

"Wait a minute…" She paused.

"Free?"

"If your families were here the entire time, there's no way you could've just got here from over the horizon." Chapel began using inductive reasoning as she put a thumb to her chin, "The Butterfree colony has been here for some time, hasn't it?"

Butterfree's nod assured Chapel that her hypothesis is correct.

"If the Butterfree were returning to the coast, why would they leave said coast in the first place?"

"Free…"

The scarfed Butterfree and pink Butterfree both quivered inside. This small change in body language flew completely over Chapel's head.

The Butterfree, that led Chapel to the pink Butterfree and her family, went on its merry way. Slowly looking for something – or someone – in the forest.

"Free?" Butterfree called out. "Free!"

Try and try as Butterfree might, there was no response to his cries.

"Free!" Butterfree was looking for his family. He hadn't seen any of his children since returning to the colony.

As Butterfree proceeded further inland, the trees started covering more of the sun's light.

"Free…free?" Just then, Butterfree caught something flash in the corner of his eye.

This glint, it came from deep within the leaves.

"Free." At first, Butterfree was hesitant.

But that glint…it came from a pair of red eyes.

"Free?" Those were the red eyes of a Butterfree. These red eyes looked exactly like the eyes of his partner. "Free. Butterfree." Butterfree let his guard down, slowly approaching the pair of eyes.

Was it his partner? Or maybe one of the Metapod children evolved into Butterfree…

"Free."

"Ee."

"Free?"

"Ee…"

…

"Bee."

The pair of red eyes emerged, revealing not Butterfree, but a Beedrill.

"Free?!" This immediately sent Butterfree quivering. It was as if this Butterfree was familiar with Beedrill.

"Bee." Beedrill raised its twin needles, ready to strike.

As Beedrill approached, Butterfree backed away. When the time was right, Butterfree turned tail, attempting to flee the scene outright. "Free?!"

"Bee."

"Drill."

However, as Butterfree attempted to escape, several more Beedrill appeared, obstructing the path.

In a panic, Butterfree tried flying in any open direction he could find.

"Drill!"

But Beedrill kept appearing, until Butterfree was completely surrounded. There was no escape. This was the end for Butterfree…

"REEE!" A distressed scream echoed throughout the sky.

Chapel, who had a Caterpie cradled in her arms, looked up, "What was that?"

"Free…?"

"Free….!"

The pink Butterfree and scarfed Butterfree looked alarmed. Unlike before, Chapel was able to see their change in expression now.

"What's going on?" This time, Chapel's question wasn't rhetorical. Her tone of voice insinuated that her question was more like a demand.

"Free."

Both Butterfree were hesitant to answer. It couldn't be helped though. Chapel, no matter how friendly she was, was an outsider just passing by. It would be wrong to involve her in this issue.

Chapel looked at the Caterpie still cradled in her arms while talking to Butterfree, "Whatever is bothering you, I can help. The way you responded to that scream lets me know that whatever threatens your peace is a familiar foe." It was here that Chapel connected the dots, "This threat…is it the reason why the Butterfree left the coast in the first place?"

"…"

The Butterfree were still hesitant.

"I can understand why you don't want to involve me in your problems…But please…tell me…do it for your children."

The scarfed Butterfree looked at the Caterpie and Metapod family throughout, while the pink Butterfree stared intently at the Caterpie nestled in Chapel's arms.

"Whatever this problem is hasn't gone away. The Butterfree colony has nothing to lose by trusting me."

The Butterfree paused before giving Chapel a slow but affirmative nod.

"Zzz…"

The sounds of the enemy approached.

Chapel took a step toward the sound. Perhaps there was some sort of misunderstanding. Whatever pokemon these were must've been provoked by the screaming Butterfree for one reason or another. "Show yourself." Chapel called, "I'm here to help. Whatever the issue you have with the Butterfree, let me come up with a compromise.

Through the bushes and leaves, Chapel saw a trio of red eyes.

"Butterfree?"

"Zzz…"

The red eyes of these pokemon glowed. Chapel hesitated. The glow in their eyes looked…predatory.

"Pie!" The Caterpie nustled in Chapel's grasp abruptly freed itself, rushing to hide behind the parent pink Butterfree.

The other Caterpie in the family hid behind their parents as well, while the Metapod preemptively used Harden.

"Zzz!"

The trio of pokemon then revealed themselves to be a flock of Beedrill.

"Beedrill?!" Chapel called.

Chapel had to remember the what was read in a Pokedex for Beedrill:

Beedrill, the Spear Pokemon: Beedrill are extremely territorial. No one should ever approach its nest. If angered, Beedrill will attack in a furious swarm.

As if on cue, a swarm of Beedrill descended, accompanying the initial Beedrill trio.

Chapel took a step back, slightly unnerved, "We're surrounded."

"Free!"

With nowhere to escape, the pink Butterfree and scarfed Butterfree readied to fight Beedrill, to protect their family.

"Drill!"

The Beedrill started their attacks, one by one. They pointed their needles, attempting to pierce the Butterfree.

"Free!"

The Butterfree took aerial evasion action. Much energy was used trying to avoid the seemingly endless Twinneedle assaults.

Chapel was uneasy, as the Beedrill attempted to pierce her as well. Each movement was a matter of life or death. If Chapel were stricken here, there was no hospital out here to fix her up. Any serious injury would become critical without treatment.

"Drill!"

"Woah!" Chapel ducked to the ground. The Twinneedle avoided wasn't without cause for worry, as it cut strands of Chapel's short blonde hair and maroon bangs. "I have to do something…" This colony of Beedrill were beyond the point of negotiation, so Chapel readied her Pokeball.

"Free!"

In an attempt to slow down the Beedrill's assault, the Pink Butterfree flapped its wings, creating a Gust attack.

One wave of Beedrill was blown back, but the second wave charged through, not giving Butterfree a moment's rest.

"Free!"

The scarfed Butterfree launched a wave of red powder at the Beedrill. This caused the swarm to completely take their eyes off the Chapel and the pink Butterfree.

"Drill!"

This was a move called Rage Powder, and it was used to focus the attention of every foe at the move's user.

"Drill!"

This time, the Twinneedles came from all directions.

"Alright!" Chapel threw her Pokeball in the air, "I choose you!"

"On!" Appearing before Chapel was Glaceon, who's fur sparkled.

"Use Blizzard!"

"On!" Glaceon cried into the sky. As this happened, fierce gusts of snow started blowing in the Beedrill's direction.

"Zzz?!"

The snowy winds of Blizzard damaged the entire second wave of Beedrill, to the point where their wings were frozen.

"…"

Unable to fly these Beedrill all abruptly fell to the ground.

"Free…" The scarfed Butterfree looked at Chapel and the shiny Glaceon intently. The Rage Powder he'd used was supposed to force Beedrill's attention of him. He was ready to give his life if it meant protecting the family he loves dear. "Free…" He was ready to give his life, but at the same time, he feared leaving his family behind. But the Chapel girl who stands before him...she promised she'd protect his family, and the entire colony of Butterfree.

Chapel looked back at Butterfree and confidently gave a thumbs up, "I told you I could help you with your problem, didn't I?"

"Free." Butterfree smiled warmly. Chapel was such an altruistic person. She reminded the scarfed Butterfree…of the Trainer he had, once upon a time…

Chapel returned her attention to Glaceon.

The first wave of Beedrill returned to the forefront.

"Glaceon, are you ready to finish this fight?" Chapel asked.

Glaceon nodded.

Chapel threw her hand forward, commanding Glaceon, "Finish this with Frost Breath!"

Frost Breath was a move guaranteed to take out the rest of the Beedrill colony.

Glaceon took a deep inhale. Exhaling, she let out a fine tune as she launched the attack.

"Zzz?!"

All the Beedrill took in Glaceon's hypnotizing serenade as they were momentarily frozen by Frost Breath. Immediately, the ice shattered. The sound of the ice shattering made it seem like the Beedrill's entire beings shattered.

"…"

Each and every enemy was defeated. Though the ice shattered, the nerves within their wings were frozen. They could no longer move. At least, not until their body temperatures rise back up.

"Free…"

"Free?"

The Butterfree couldn't believe it. The entire colony of Beedrill were defeated. Of course, there were several other colonies along the coast, but just defeating one was a major accomplishment.

"Pie!"

"Caterpie!"

The Caterpie all rushed to their parents, excited to see that the danger was gone.

"Metapod." If the Metapod had mouths, they would be smiling as well.

"On." Glaceon calmly sat down, letting the nearby ocean breeze brush her hair.

Chapel approached Glaceon from behind and stroked her back, "You did a great job, Glaceon."

Ursaring spent days carrying Chapel's travel companion who was in a comatose, Piplup and Skarmory both battled Butterfree, and Glaceon helped to defend the Butterfree from the Beedrill colony.

"My Pokemon." Chapel smiled warmly. All of her pokemon were doing their part to make the world a better place. It just goes to show what a great Trainer they have. Together, with her Pokemon, there was nothing Chapel couldn't do…

It was Chapel's suggestion to spend a couple more days at Johto's northern edge. Yumi and Rose weren't against it.

These few extra days allowed Chapel to work her magic as a Pokemon Ranger. Word of the Beedrill colony's defeat had spread quickly amongst the other Beedrill colonies, as well as the Butterfree.

"Zzz…"

When the Beedrill thawed out, Chapel used her Capture Styler to formally communicate her words to them:

'These Butterfree have families to raise. I'm sure you feel the same way.'

Chapel would go on to see the Weedle and Kakuna families which Beedrill fiercely protected.

'The struggle between the Butterfree and Beedrill keeps the environment from thriving. Only when we come together and work toward a common cause, can we make a world where our children can live happily ever after.'

Chapel's words could be applied to her journey as well. No matter how insurmountable each other's differences were, Chapel knew that by working together, they could save the world.

'The world of tomorrow…that is our goal.'

In secret, Chapel had also taught the pink Butterfree and scarfed Butterfree a self-defense method against the Beedrill, just in case. Her goal was for the pink Butterfree and scarfed Butterfree to spread their knowledge. Using Gust and Whirlwind to spread Sleep Powder was an ingenious tactic that none of the Butterfree thought of. This was Chapel's gift to all the Butterfree.

It's hard to think that in only a matter of days, the territories divided Butterfree and Beedrill gradually became one, and the two evolutionary lines began to accept one another.

It was sunset, and Chapel sat atop a branch of the highest tree.

"Piplup." Piplup sat right next to her.

"Chime." While Chime the Chimecho was held closely in her arms.

"Skar." Skarmory looked on from the very peak of the tree.

"On."

"Rrr."

Ursaring and Glaceon stood on the sand.

They all gazed into the sunset, waiting for nightfall.

"Tomorrow is a new day. Together, we will save the world, for our children…"

A single tear started forming in Chapel's eye. She was gifted with the power of Missingno to save the world. But that power has given Chapel a time limit before the virus brings about her permanent end. She wants to save the world for the children – for her children. But she knows that she won't be alive to witness said world.

The power of the virus was a double-edged sword for Chapel, just like it was for the boy who was in a comatose right now.

"I've known for a while that I'll eventually die from the virus…but…" Chapel watches as the first Butterfree flutters its wings under the moonlight, "I would like to at least be remembered by the children…I would like to leave a lasting impact on this world – my living legacy…"

"Free." The second Butterfree made its way under the moonlight.

"Free." As did the third.

"Zzz…" And the first of many Beedrill.

Countless Butterfree and Beedrill began flying under the moon light, as the sun went down.

"Woah…" Yumi was on the beach, marveling at the site.

"Absolutely gorgeous…" Rose's eyes reflected hundreds of glistening wings, like stars in the night sky.

"What's going on?" Banette asked.

"Who knows?" Yumi answered.

Chapel wiped away her tear. Despite the inevitable future that awaits her, Chapel had no fear or regrets. "I'm going to take my life in stride and move forward."

For Mother Chiyo.

For Chime.

For Wes.

For Rui.

For Rose.

For Yumi.

For Seth.

…For Chapel herself…

"I can't until the day peace returns to the world."

To Be Continued…

Chapel's Team

Chime – Female – Levitate

Ursaring – Male – Guts

Skarmory – Male – Keen Eye

Glaceon – Female – Ice Body

Piplup – Female – Torrent

Pokemon Egg - ? - ?